The care continuum in acromegaly: how patients, nurses, and physicians can collaborate for successful treatment experiences

Abstract

Patients with acromegaly (a condition of chronic growth hormone hypersecretion by a pituitary adenoma) often require pharmacological treatment. Somatostatin analogs (SSAs) such as pasireotide, lanreotide, and octreotide are frequently used as first-line medical therapy. As SSAs are delivered by regular subcutaneous or intramuscular injections, they can result in injection-related pain or anxiety and can be challenging to fit into patients’ lifestyles. When combined with the prolonged, debilitating psychological complications associated with acromegaly, these administration challenges can negatively impact compliance, adherence, and quality of life. Proactively managing patients’ expectations and providing appropriate, timely guidance are crucial for maximizing adherence, and ultimately, optimizing the treatment experience. As part of ongoing clinical research since 1997, our team at the University of Michigan has used SSAs to treat 30 patients with acromegaly. Based on our clinical experiences with multiple SSA administration regimens (long-acting intramuscular, long-acting deep subcutaneous, and twice-daily subcutaneous), we generated a dialog map that guides health care professionals through the many sensitive and complex patient communication issues surrounding this treatment process. Beginning with diagnosis, the dialog map includes discussion of treatment options, instruction on proper drug administration technique, and ensuring of appropriate follow-up care. At each step, we provide talking points that address the following: the patients’ clinical situation; their geographic, economic, and psychological concerns; and their inclination to communicate with clinicians. We have found that involving patients, nurses, and physicians as equal partners in the treatment process optimizes treatment initiation, adherence, and persistence in acromegaly. By encouraging collaboration across the care continuum, this dialog map can facilitate identification of the treatment plan that is most likely to yield the best possible outcome.

Introduction

Acromegaly is a condition of chronic growth hormone (GH) oversecretion usually due to an underlying pituitary adenoma, which results in excess insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) secretion predominantly from the liver. Acromegaly is associated with debilitating complications (eg, severe headache, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, and kidney failure)^1–3 that decrease quality of life (QoL)⁴ and increase risk of death.^5,6 First-line medical treatment generally involves somatostatin analogs (SSAs), which inhibit GH oversecretion by binding to somatostatin receptors in the pituitary adenoma, thereby reducing associated symptoms and comorbidities.⁷ A recent meta-analysis suggested that biochemical control is associated with normalized mortality rates in patients with acromegaly.⁸ However, achieving optimal treatment outcomes is often hindered by complications related to patient communication and adherence.⁹

Patients with acromegaly face a variety of difficult challenges. Onset is typically insidious, and as a result, disease diagnosis is often delayed. By the time patients receive appropriate treatment, they may have already endured many years of unexplained symptoms and reduced QoL. While SSAs provide effective biochemical and symptom control for many patients,¹⁰ they can be challenging to administer (Table 1), and injection-related anxiety or other adverse events can reduce treatment compliance.^9,11,12 Since 1997, our team at the University of Michigan has used SSAs to treat 30 patients with acromegaly, and we have found that the majority of these issues can be overcome with careful communication across the care continuum. In this paper, we discuss strategies that can be used to optimize health care professional (HCP)–patient communication and to improve the overall treatment experience of patients with acromegaly.

Table 1.

Characteristics of available SSAs indicated for acromegaly

SSA	Formulation	Administration
Lanreotide	Long-acting depot/autogel	Deep subcutaneous injection every 28 days
		Approved for extended dosing intervals of 6–8 weeks Can be administered by self- or partner injection
Octreotide	Long-acting depot	Intramuscular injection every 28 days Administered by a HCP at the clinic or through a home nurse injection program
Pasireotide	Long-acting depot	Intramuscular injection every 28 days Administered by a HCP at the clinic or through a home nurse injection program

Abbreviations: SSA, somatostatin analog; HCP, health care professional.

Dialog map

SSA administration and treatment have been investigated from both a clinical and a patient perspective.^13–17 Researchers have examined the efficacy and safety of SSA self-administration, the barriers that impede optimal SSA treatment, and the extent and quality of dialog between patients and HCPs. Results have demonstrated the importance of patient demographics and life situation when considering administration options, and they have suggested that effective HCP–patient communication can promote long-term adherence to SSA medical therapy. We combined these insights with our clinical experiences to generate a dialog map, that is, a practical communications guide for HCPs treating acromegalic patients with SSAs.

This dialog map (Figure 1) covers several sensitive nodes in the SSA treatment process: disclosure of the diagnosis, discussion of SSA treatment options, initiation of treatment, and follow-up recommendations. For each therapeutic stage, we present communication strategies, the reasoning behind these strategies, and sample talking points. Although the dialog map focuses specifically on SSA treatment in acromegaly, many of these principles apply broadly to non-SSA acromegaly medical treatments (eg, pegvisomant, an injectable GH receptor antagonist) and to other chronic diseases that involve injectable medications (eg, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis).

Figure 1.

Dialog map.

Note: *Follow-up should occur every 6 months to 1 year, depending on laboratory results, symptoms, and AEs.

Abbreviations: AE, adverse event; ER, emergency room; LAR, long-acting release; SAE, serious adverse event.

Diagnosis

Acromegalic patients experience a mixture of emotions upon receiving their diagnosis.¹⁷ Some of our patients, for example, expressed frustration and anger over delayed diagnosis. Others were exhausted by years of unexplained symptoms and questioned their ability to manage the continuing burden of disease. Some patients were afraid that they had brain cancer, whereas others were relieved that they finally understood what was causing their symptoms. Patients have also expressed feelings of isolation due to the rarity of their condition. As a result of these varied and intense emotional reactions, diagnosis disclosure has been identified as a critical moment for patients with acromegaly.¹⁷ The diagnosis conversation can set a precedent for future discussions and can also serve to establish a trusting relationship between the patient and physician.¹⁸

This issue was demonstrated in a recent study that evaluated the dialog between acromegalic patients and their HCPs.¹⁷ By performing online and in-person interviews with 19 patients, the authors identified diagnosis as a particularly critical moment during the treatment process. Many patients experienced a long path to diagnosis, which resulted in a loss of trust in the medical profession and decreased self-confidence. Notably, the presence of a collaborative relationship between patients and HCPs was highlighted as a particularly important aspect of acromegaly treatment, with authors stating that:

one of the greatest divides in this research was between patients who had found doctors who listened to them, took a more collaborative approach, and were willing to work with them, and patients who had found no such HCPs.

Our approach to diagnosis disclosure involves two key strategies: (1) empathetic listening and (2) provision of educational and emotional resources (Table 2).^12,19–22 Empathetic listening involves avoiding “provider-centered” communication such as interrupting or lecturing the patient. We recommend asking the patients specific questions about their treatment history and support structure and explicitly encouraging the patients to ask questions themselves.²³ At this point, it can be helpful to discuss the symptoms or issues with acromegaly that the patient finds most disruptive, which can provide insight into the patient’s top treatment priorities.²⁴ Patients with acromegaly often develop a strong desire to learn more about their disease¹⁷ and should be provided with reliable resources. These materials should be understandable and accurate and should temper false expectations while encouraging hope.¹¹ For example, it is helpful to communicate that, although acromegaly usually results from a GH-secreting pituitary tumor, it is not a form of brain cancer. Similarly, although acromegaly is associated with debilitating complications and elevated mortality, clinical results suggest that mortality rates, complications, and QoL improve if biochemical control is achieved.^4,8,25–27 Table 2 provides a list of useful patient resources, such as links to educational websites and information about peer-to-peer support groups. The overarching goal of the diagnosis discussion is to empower the patients so that they become a problem-solving partner in the treatment process.^21,28

Table 2.

Resources for patients with acromegaly

Purpose	Resource
Administration and adherence	Automated adherence reminders: emails, phone calls, letters, and text messages Mobile administration program: mobile HCPs deliver long-acting octreotide injections at home or at a convenient location
Symptom tracking	Diary of symptoms, test results, and side effects
	Regular appointment schedule
Patient education and emotional support	Acromegaly info (http://www.acromegalyinfo.com)
	Hormone Health network (http://www.hormone.org)
	Pituitary Disorders (http://www.pituitarydisorder.net)
	Pituitary Foundation (http://www.pituitary.org.uk)
	Pituitary Society (http://www.pituitary-society.org)
	You and Your Hormones (http://www.yourhormones.info)
	Pituitary network Association (http://www.pituitary.org)
	Acromegaly Community (http://www.acromegalycommunity.com)
	Additional support groups and educational resources may be found through the endocrine societies of individual countries/regions
Financial resources for patients without publicly funded health care	Financial assistance for lanreotide (http://acromegaly.somatulinedepot.com/resources/copay-savings-programs)
	Financial assistance for octreotide and pasireotide (1-877-LAr-inFO, http://www.endocrineaccessnow.com)
	Additional financial information may be found through the endocrine societies of individual countries/regions

Abbreviation: HCP, health care professional.

Discussing SSA treatment options

Assuming that it has been decided that SSA treatment is indicated, the next step in the treatment process involves choosing the appropriate SSA and formulation. This involves addressing a variety of concerns that patients may have about initiating injectable medical therapy. Perhaps owing to a history of ineffective treatments for incorrect diagnoses, acromegalic patients are often concerned about efficacy. After experiencing years of unexplained and uncomfortable symptoms, they are also apprehensive about experiencing side effects. The mode of administration is also of frequent concern. Given that approximately 7%–22% of the general population experiences a form of needle phobia,²¹ many patients will feel uncomfortable at the prospect of self-injection. In contrast, other patients may be concerned about fitting monthly injections administered at the clinic into their busy lifestyles.

To address these issues, our approach is to ensure that patients have realistic expectations with regard to efficacy and safety. Clinical trial results suggest that lanreotide, octreotide, and pasireotide normalize GH and IGF-1 levels in approximately 30%–75% of patients¹⁰ and reduce tumor volume in up to 80% of patients in the first year of therapy.^29–39 We recommend that physicians communicate that SSAs are helpful but not universally efficacious. Ideally, the physician and patient should work together to identify mutually agreed-upon treatment goals that prioritize the patient’s most pressing concerns (eg, improving a particularly disruptive symptom).²⁴ It is necessary to discuss how various treatment plans may facilitate achievement of these goals, emphasizing that the patient, physician, and nurse will work together to identify the option that will yield the best possible outcome.

Patients will be better equipped to manage side effects if they are aware of what to expect during treatment. It is therefore important to discuss common adverse events associated with SSAs, including gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting), hyperglycemia and diabetes, elevated liver enzymes, cholelithiasis, headache, and pituitary hormone deficiency.^40–42 We recommend discussing when these adverse events are likely to occur. For example, with long-acting formulations, patients experience side effects mainly in the first week after each injection; in contrast, with twice-daily subcutaneous injections, transient side effects will likely be experienced every day. Even though adverse events are often experienced with SSAs, patients should be assured that if they experience intolerable adverse events, a new treatment regimen can be considered.

It is critical to discuss administration options before making a final treatment decision. SSA formulations that can be self-administered or administered through home nurse injection programs may be preferable for patients who are self-sufficient, have a busy lifestyle, live far away from the clinic, or are interested in reducing their health care expenses.^13,14,16 In contrast, monthly injections delivered by a HCP may be ideal for younger patients who are less mature, older patients who are less independent, or patients suffering from needle phobias.⁴³ In this manner, patients’ age, life history, and current lifestyle affect the choices they make in terms of SSA treatment and may influence how well they adhere to the prescribed medication. Overall, it is important that the patient is an active participant in the treatment discussion. We have found that if treatment decisions are patient-centric, the treatment is more likely to yield successful results.

Initiating treatment

Initiating SSA treatment can be a challenging time for patients with acromegaly. Patients may lack confidence in their ability to self-inject, or they may worry about injection-related pain. We and others have found that a clear understanding of the treatment plan facilitates adherence and minimizes treatment risk.²² Eighteen of our acromegalic patients participated in clinical trials that assessed the efficacy and safety of pasireotide. Although the long-acting, intramuscular formulation of pasireotide was approved for the treatment of acromegaly in 2014, these earlier clinical trials used the subcutaneous formulation of pasireotide, which is self-injected by the patients (or their caregiver) twice daily. To teach our trial participants how to self-inject subcutaneous pasireotide, we created a handwritten, step-by-step procedure for each patient. We then had the patient self-inject saline solution according to his/her individualized protocol. Successfully self-administering subcutaneous saline in the office provided patients with the confidence and independence to self-inject pasireotide at home. We have found that long-term adherence is maximized when the patient and nurse work together to generate an individualized treatment plan; in fact, three of our patients have been successfully self-injecting pasireotide twice daily for over 9 years.

A thorough review of SSA safety information is also necessary at treatment initiation. In particular, patients must be able to distinguish an adverse event from a serious adverse event. Serious adverse events associated with SSAs include bloody stools (gastrointestinal dysfunction), rash or difficulty breathing (extreme allergic reaction), or excessive thirst or urination (hyperglycemia).^40–42 The patient should be advised to visit the emergency room immediately and contact the clinic if any of these symptoms are experienced. It is critical that the patient can readily distinguish between uncomfortable side effects, adverse effects that should be discussed at the next clinical visit, and serious adverse events that require immediate medical attention. If the patient knows exactly what to do if a serious adverse event is experienced, treatment risk associated with SSAs can be minimized.

Follow-up

Clinical research has indicated that persistence is challenging for patients with chronic diseases. Poor compliance is expected in 30%–50% of all patients regardless of diagnosis,⁴⁴ and a meta-analysis of 569 studies identified an average non-adherence rate of 24.8% in patients with a range of chronic illnesses.⁴⁵ A variety of factors can contribute to nonadherence (Table 3).^{11,18,46–50} While HCPs tend to view adherence with singular focus (biochemical and symptom control), patients balance their treatment against the complexities of everyday life, including the occurrence of major events (eg, marriage, divorce, pregnancy), travel requirements, lack of emotional support, forgetfulness, or development of acute or other chronic illness.^12,21,51 Adherence is further complicated by the fact that these issues do not exist in isolation; for example, the ability to recall information can be negatively influenced by stress,^19,52 and patients who are depressed may be more likely to experience injection-related pain.⁵³ It is also important to consider that not every issue applies to each patient, and that treatment challenges change as the patient’s life evolves. Identifying and addressing barriers to adherence, therefore, require careful communication throughout the treatment process.

Table 3.

Factors that can impede or promote adherence to chronic medical therapy

Adherence barriers	Adherence promoters
Forgetting to take medication Anxiety (eg, needle phobia) Lack of family support Perceived lack of efficacy Coping with adverse events Depression Treatment fatigue Life disruptions Financial concerns Perceived lack of HCP support Lack of emotional self-sufficiency	Automated reminders to take medication Self-efficacy Family support Satisfaction with current treatment Keeping a symptom diary Seeing improvements in symptoms Rewarding oneself after injections Availability of peer-to-peer patient support Inspiring other patients Perceived HCP support Patient’s understanding of the regimen

Abbreviation: HCP, health care professional.

With acromegaly, successful, long-term treatment with SSAs requires that the patient, nurse, and physician effectively manage many barriers to optimal adherence and persistence. These can include the belief that treatment is ineffective (eg, symptomatology despite biochemical control) or the occurrence of ongoing, uncomfortable side effects. Conversely, a recent pilot study indicated that medical treatment was sometimes discontinued in acromegalic patients with active disease but no symptoms, or with mild symptoms that did not obviously improve with therapy.¹⁵ These issues should be addressed by ensuring that each patient is consciously aware of improvements in his/her clinical condition. To do this, we recommend asking the patients specific questions about their symptoms and side effects at every visit (Figure 1 provides examples). In particular, it is necessary to ensure that the patient can distinguish symptoms that can be improved once biochemistry is controlled (eg, soft tissue inflammation) from those that cannot (eg, irreversible bone growth). Adverse event management techniques should be reviewed, and the patient should be encouraged to keep a diary of ongoing symptoms and side effects.^11,18 If patients are regularly and carefully keeping track of their treatment experience, they are more likely to be aware that their treatment is working, which results in increased treatment satisfaction and improved adherence.¹²

Adherence and persistence can also be impaired by a challenging administration regimen.⁴⁸ If the patients find it difficult to take time off work to visit the clinic for their monthly injection, it may be necessary to evaluate an option that can be self-administered at home or through home nurse injection programs. It may also be possible to increase the interval between injections, as lanreotide is approved for extended dosing periods of 6–8 weeks (Table 1).⁴⁰ If the patient’s self-injection technique appears to have lapsed (eg, the presence of lumps, bumps, or bruises), it is necessary to review the self-injection protocol and ensure that the patient is rotating his/her injection sites. If a patient is experiencing burning at the injection site with intramuscular octreotide, switching to a subcutaneous SSA should be considered, as subcutaneous administration has been described as less painful.¹⁴ The use of techniques that are motivational (eg, rewarding oneself after each injection) or memory inducing (eg, using automated treatment reminders) should be encouraged, as these have been reported to increase adherence in chronic conditions (Table 2).^11,18,49

We believe that if problems are identified early, they can be addressed before they become insurmountable barriers to medical therapy. We recommend that the physician, nurse, and patient meet every 6 months to 1 year to discuss the biochemical, clinical, practical, and emotional aspects of SSA treatment. If biochemical results or symptoms indicate a lack of efficacy and/or if adverse events are intolerable, it may be necessary to discuss changing treatment. These regular visits ensure that the goals of all members of the treatment team are aligned as the patient’s life evolves.

Conclusion

Acromegaly is associated with a considerable burden of disease. Diagnosis is often substantially delayed, patients experience debilitating physical and emotional complications, and many acromegaly medications are associated with challenging administration regimens and potential side effects. Improving the QoL of patients with this debilitating disorder is of paramount importance. Strategic communication can facilitate adherence and persistence to challenging treatment regimens; however, development of simpler administration devices or new SSA formulations (eg, orally delivered SSAs) could be enormously beneficial.⁵⁴ Given the many challenges associated with current SSA formulations, we believe that future research in acromegaly treatment should focus on the development of more manageable administration options.

In the meantime, however, we have found that treatment experience can be improved with effective communication across the care continuum. The presented dialog map, which includes strategies developed in our clinical practice, can be used to encourage patient-centric treatment decisions, to communicate realistic treatment expectations, to generate individualized treatment plans, to promote symptom and adverse event awareness, and to provide emotional support. By using these communication strategies, the physician, nurse, and patient can work together to identify the treatment plan that will lead to the best possible outcome.